A study of sea charts and their relevance to coastal hydrography

Abstract

Cartography has been a means of communication to travellers for centuries. Hydrographic cartography, a specialised branch of the discipline, has also been an invaluable aid to mariners ever since the first sailors ventured off coastlines. Despite all this, research into the field of hydrographic cartography is very limited, particularly when viewed in relation to cartography as a whole. This thesis presents the reader with an appraisal model, developed by the researcher specifically to analyse hydrographic charts. The goal of the exercise is to trace the evolution of the sea chart, from its primitive beginnings to today's Geographic Information Systems based charts. To achieve this, a number of historic sea charts spanning from c.1500 A.D. to the present day were selected. Each chart was given an individual, qualitative appraisal in order to preserve its individuality. The findings were also documented and commented on as relevant. During the course of the research, an opportunity for further research presented itself. The oldest map chosen for appraisal was fairly limited in terms of accompanying data. Through research, the author managed to shed light on a tentative name and approximate era that can be attributed to this map. Hydrographic cartography is a very specialised branch, one which many are unaware of. More research into the field is required in order to make the most of these printed treasures, both from a geographical, as well as an artistic standpoint.